Selling A Home: Some Practical Advice - Part 1
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
In a recent article on about.com, “Home Staging & Staging a House - What is Home Staging?,” Elizabeth Weintraub presents a novel idea that might just help sellers obtain top dollar for their homes. The article’s subtitle, “Dressing a House for Success,” reminds readers that home staging is “more than decorating.” What the author means is that this is a process that helps sellers engage the imaginations of potential buyers by presenting a house in a manner calculated to emphasize its strong points and minimize its weaknesses. The whole point of home staging is to excite and involve buyers and make them want to live in the home. This is likely to have a positive impact on real estate sales in Raleigh North Carolina.
So how does it work? One of the most fundamental processes in home staging is called “depersonalization,” meaning the removal or reduction of religious items, certificates, cultural items, awards, trophies and similar objects that refer to the current occupants. Along with decluttering, depersonalization makes potential buyers feel comfortable in the property and, more importantly, helps them imagine how their furniture and possessions will look in various rooms and locations in the house. This, in effect, transforms them into buyers long before they make an offer for the home. Depersonalization also makes the home appealing to the widest possible universe of potential buyers while downplaying its flaws.
If you want to try some staging tricks on your own, here are a few key tips:
Apply a conditioner like orange or tung oil to wooden surfaces in the home like cabinet doors and to give them a glow.
Place a large bowl of appetizing fruit on a kitchen counter. Also scatter some cookbooks and cooking accessories around the kitchen like baskets or crocks containing wooden and metal tools.
In bathrooms, have scented soaps and lotion dispensers on hand in decorative baskets. Fill another basket with towels tied with ribbon.
Remove wallpaper and give the walls a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color. This is especially important in the living room and kitchen.
Accent patios and decks with potted plants and flowers.
Draw attention to the entry and foyer by painting the door in a vibrant color and using a complimenting color in the foyer. A small table and mirror on the wall add functionality and give a “lived-in” feel.
Give living rooms and family rooms an open and airy look. Use slip covers on worn furniture and arrange furniture in a “conversational” way that invites people to sit down and enjoy the room.
Properly done, home staging presents your home in the best possible light. It’s not hard to learn and will maximize the property’s appeal to the largest number of potential buyers, which will in turn stimulate sales of real estate in Raleigh North Carolina.
Selling A Home: Some Practical Advice - Part 2
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
It’s not hard to sell real estate in Raleigh NC if you follow a few relatively simple steps. Along with sprucing up your property inside and out, you should also make a frank assessment of what a potential buyer might see as problems with your home. There’s no better way to do this than to have a professional inspector evaluate the property inside and out. Since it’s virtually certain that any serious buyer will engage an inspector, why not be proactive and do so yourself before putting your home on the market.
Here are just a few of the benefits of having an inspection before putting your home on the market:
A home inspection gives you an evaluation of your home as seen through a buyer’s eyes. Your inspector’s report, even if highly negative, will help you develop an unbiased opinion of the property and what’s required to get it ready for sale.
Using an inspector helps you to determine a realistic price for your home.
An inspection may turn up issues that need to be handled ahead of time. This assures that buyers won’t consider them to be factors that drive your asking price lower. The inspection may also identify safety problems that need to be fixed before agents and potential buyers tour your home.
The inspection may discover immediate hazards such a radon gas, natural gas leaks or electrical problems that put you and your family in danger.
If your locality requires sellers to furnish disclosure statements to buyers, including an inspection by a certified professional along with the disclosure gives the seller increased credibility from the buyer’s point of view. Be sure to enclose receipts for any repairs you make along with the inspection report.
Finally, a certified and credible inspection may lead the buyer to waive the inspection contingency in the sales contract because it reduces the inevitable suspicions a buyer may have. From the seller’s point of view, an inspection may reduce liability because it adds supporting documentation from a qualified professional inspector. So if you have real estate to sell in Raleigh NC, having an inspection done before putting your home on the market is a sound and prudent step to take.
Buying A Home: Just A Few Simple Steps - Part 1
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
Looking for real estate to buy in Raleigh NC? If you’re a first-time home buyer, the process might seem daunting. While there are a lot of details to handle, the process is actually quite simple. Here’s a step-by-step plan that can help you buy real estate in Raleigh NC.
1. Determine whether buying a home would be more advantageous for you than renting. Home ownership isn’t for everyone. It requires a certain degree of commitment and can have substantial ongoing costs. Every home needs upkeep and maintenance that take both time and money. If you aren’t financially or mentally ready to commit to owning a home, then it’s best to stay put.
2. Put your financial affairs in order. If you’re going to need a mortgage, be sure your credit is in top shape. Since lenders will be getting your credit report, it makes sense to obtain one yourself and resolve any problems before applying for a mortgage.
3. Know your financial boundaries. Investigate the various types of mortgages and financing that are available in your area. Find out what lenders are offering the most attractive terms and rates. At the same time, do the math to determine the monthly payment you can afford. Be sure to factor in property and school taxes and ongoing expenses such as garbage collection and homeowner’s association fees.
4. Choose several neighborhoods where you would like to live. Even if you have your heart set on a certain neighborhood, it’s wise to investigate other locations to get a balanced picture of property values.
5. Decide on the style of house you prefer but keep an open mind, especially if you’re buying your first home. Don’t pass up a bargain simply because it’s not your preferred architectural style. That cozy Cape Cod may be a stepping stone to that sprawling ranch you really want.
6. Interview several real estate agents and get recommendations from friends, family and co-workers. You need to have an open and honest relationship with your agent, so be sure that the person you choose is someone you can both trust and talk frankly with. Continued in Part 2. See below.
Buying A Home: Just A Few Simple Steps - Part 2
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
In Part 1 of this article about how to purchase real estate in Raleigh, North Carolina, we discussed the steps needed to get ready to buy a house. In Part 2 of this series about finding real estate to purchase in Raleigh, North Carolina, we’ll discuss how to find a property and negotiate a fair price.
1. Get everything in place. You’re going to need a loan officer at the bank, a real estate attorney and a home inspector, at the very least. If you’re planning on buying a “fixer upper,” have a reputable contractor on your team as well. Depending on the locality, you may need contacts in the zoning or building departments of the town where you’re buying the property, especially if you’re planning on remodelling or any work that may require permits from the local municipality.
2. Use all possible resources. The Internet is a great source of information and education. Also, your agent may be able to get you access to listings available through his company or through others. Some towns and cities have real estate TV and radio shows that can be a wealth of good information about local issues. Be sure you understand the local government and its policies.
3. Visit properties with your agent. Draw on your agent’s understanding and expertise. He or she can point out feature or facets of a property that you might miss or be unaware of.
4. Place a reasonable offer. Even if a property is in relative disrepair, it has intrinsic value. Placing an offer can be tricky because although you want to get the property for the best possible price, you risk alienating the seller if your offer is excessively low. Be sure your offer is in the proper legal form on the correct legal form or document.
5. Negotiate the price. Although this can be the most exciting part of buying a home, it can also be the most stressful. Keep your emotions and impulses in check and let reason and common sense rule the process as much as possible. Rely on your agent’s expertise and advice and try to see the seller’s side of any issues that might crop up.
6. Once the offer is accepted, sign the contract and have your attorney review it
7. Have the property inspected by a professional.
8. Apply for a mortage.
9. Handle other legal issues like being sure there’s a clear title to the property.
10. Close the deal and take possession of the property.
Raleigh, North Carolina: Some Important Facts and Figures
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
When you’re shopping for real estate for sale in Raleigh, NC, it’s important to get a feel for the region, its character and its residents. Here are a few illuminating and insightful facts and figures about this vibrant and growing region.
For those looking for a suburban lifestyle with big-city amenities, Raleigh NC real estate for sale can be a good choice. The population of about 350,000 is large enough to support a good base of upscale neighborhoods, stores, restaurants and entertainment venues but small enough avoid the indifference and anonymity of larger urban centers. In other words, Raleigh is a great place to enjoy both a latte and a homespun conversation.
Raleigh’s population has grown an amazing 24% in the period 2000 through 2005. With a stable economy, good schools (both public and private), and affordable housing prices, Raleigh is an attractive destination for both younger professional and older retirees. The median home cost in Raleigh is a reasonable $203,000, a fact which compensates for the fact that Raleigh’s cost of living is about 6% higher than the U.S. national average. Raleigh expends about $5,000 per year per student in public education. While this about $1000 below the national average, it’s mitigated by a positive student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. The unemployment rate in the region is about 1% below the U.S. average while job growth has declined by about 3%.
Despite all this, Raleigh has an active real estate market where the median home age is about 21 years. Over 50% of the homes in the region are owner-occupied, while about 45% are rental properties. The property tax rate is about $8 per $1000 of assessed value, significantly lower than the national average of about $13.00.
For people looking for a steady economy with a wide tax base and good housing values and choices, Raleigh is worth a second look.
Raleigh NC Restaurants: Some Amazing Five-Star Choices
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
If you’re considering a move to the region and looking at Raleigh, North Carolina real estate for sale, you’re also probably interested in the amenities the region offers. Like any metropolitan area, Raleigh offers a great variety of restaurants. What’s particularly impressive, however, is the area’s abundance of five-star-rated establishments. Here’s some information on just 3 of the best.
For those who enjoy classic French Provencal cuisine, Saint Jacques is not to be missed. The wine list alone is a veritable tour through this classic region of France. While many diners prefer wines by the bottle, Saint Jacques offers about 10 excellent varieties by the glass. The menu is extensive, with a good selection of appetizers like baby spinach salad, Provencal crab salad and homemade country pate. Entrees include bouillabaisse, scallops “coquilles St. Jacques, filet of beef Normandie and duck a l’orange. Classic French desserts like creme brulee and mousse au chocolat.
Located in the historic Dodd-Hinsdale house, Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern offers a superior atmosphere that’s more than matched by its food. The cuisine is continental and diners can choose a seat in the restaurant proper or in the casual ambience of the relaxed and friendly tavern, a separate “restaurant within a restaurant.” The menu at the tavern includes appetizers like blue crab stuffed mushrooms and classic Caesar salad. Entrees range from grilled Angus beef filet to Empire seafood paella. For dessert choose classic creme brulee, key lime pie or any of 8 other choices.
No great city is complete without an equally great steak house and Angus Barn is Raleigh’s. The restaurant features 8 different cuts of steak along with a choice of 6 different sauces that compliment the meat perfectly. For those who enjoy other dishes, there’s a great selection that includes BBQ ribs, seafood and lamb. Surprisingly, the restaurant also offers a few vegetarian entrees. Chocolate chess pie and cheesecake top the dessert menu. There’s even a country store where patrons can purchase jars of the restaurant’s signature sauces.
So, after a day of house hunting in the vibrant market of real estate for sale in Raleigh, North Carolina, why not continue your “research” in one of the city’s many and varied top-rated restaurants?
Are You Ready to Buy a Raleigh, North Carolina Home?
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
Although just about everybody dreams about owning a home, they don’t always allow for a number of important factors that can have a dramatic effect on whether or not that dream will come true. Here’s some information about real estate in Raleigh North Carolina that first-time home buyers should seriously consider.
If you’re planning to borrow in order to finance your Raleigh North Carolina real estate, take an honest look at your income, debt and savings. Lenders like to see at least 2 years of steady employment. In addition, you should have a positive credit history. It’s a good idea to obtain your credit report before applying for a mortgage so there aren’t any surprises later. If you’re carrying any debt, such as a car loan, you need to be able to afford both your current debt and the new debt associated with a mortgage. Also, you’ll need to have cash, preferably from savings, on hand to cover the home’s down payment and closing costs. Other sources of this cash can be a tax refund, employment bonus, inheritance or assistance from a relative in the form of a monetary gift.
Finally, you need to consider whether you’re willing to make the lifestyle changes that home ownership usually requires. You’ll need to be willing to spend time maintaining your home and yard and should have some money put aside for any unexpected repairs that might be needed. Remember that you’re likely to be less able to afford lavish vacations and expensive nights out when you own a home. Finally, if you have or plan to have children, be sure to recognize that there are ongoing expenses associated with children that may last up to 2 decades, especially if you’re planning a college education for them.
Buying a home is usually the largest single financial transaction most people make. Make sure you understand both the positives and negatives before making this long-term commitment.
NC Real Estate: Some Insider Tips For Buying a Home in Raleigh
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
If you’re looking for Raleigh NC real estate, you should know that the market in this area is very active and vibrant. At any given time there are nearly 6000 homes for sale in the greater Raleigh region. So, you’re probably wondering if there’s a way to trim that number down to a manageable list of properties that are within both your budget and your basic requirements such as location, specific features of the home and, most importantly, price.
Price is an all-important factor for home buyers. But many people fail to budget adequately when looking for real estate in Raleigh NC. Besides taxes, buyers should also consider any applicable costs such as homeowners association fees, refuse collection costs, insurance, utilities such as electric and gas service, water and sewer costs, repairs and upkeep, landscaping, cable TV service and telephone service. Buyers who fail to budget sufficiently are certain to find themselves in a financial bind soon after they close on the home.
Once you’ve set a realistic budget, you’re ready to determine how much house you can afford. Again, it’s important to have practical goals regarding the size of the house and lot and any amenities, perks or special features you’d like the house to have. Using common sense and creating a workable buying scenario will help make sure that the Raleigh real estate that you buy fits both your preferences and budget.
Morrisville NC Homes
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
Morrisville, North Carolina is located in the state’s popular Triangle region. The town has a youthful profile, with a median age of about 30 years that’s over 5 years younger than the state average. Morrisville is a prosperous town and has a rapidly increasing median household income that’s almost $20,000 higher than the state median, an increase of nearly 15% in the 7-year period between the years 2000 and 2007.
Home prices in Morrisville North Carolina neighborhoods have a median value of about $220,000, significantly higher than the state average of about $146,000. A recent Internet “snapshot” of Morrisville reported in June 2009 that there were over 180 homes for sale in the area with a median price of about $229,000. A home in the upscale neighborhoods in Morrisville NC typically has 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 1 half bath and about 2300 to 2500 square feet. Open floor plans are available, along with more traditional designs. Some homes feature high or vaulted ceilings and custom architectural touches like posts. Fireplaces are the rule with gas logs being preferred. Kitchens are thoroughly modern, with center islands, hardwood cabinetry and state-of-the-art appliances. Most kitchens have eating areas. Some homes in neighborhoods in Morrisville NC feature lofts and master suites with trey ceilings and walk-in closets.
If the home has a formal dining room, it’s likely to feature crown molding and chair rail. Bay windows are also popular and living rooms have fireplaces with hardwood mantles. Some living rooms open via French doors to spacious screened porches. Master suites include dual vanities in the bath, vaulted ceilings and skylights. There’s amply closet space throughout homes in this price range.
Morrisville is a great choice for discriminating buyers looking for homes with a good array of amenities.
Holly Springs, NC Homes
Posted by RealEstate_Guru
Holly Springs North Carolina is a premier suburban town in the popular Raleigh-Durham region. In 2007, Holly Springs ranked #22 out of 100 towns on Money Magazine’s “100 Best Places to Live” in the U.S. Housing in Holly Springs neighborhoods is very affordable, with the average home price coming in at about $243,000. For comparison, the average home price on the “Best Places” list is nearly $360,000. When considering taxes, Holly Springs’ average is an affordable $1700 per year, while the “Best Places” average is nearly $3600.
A typical home in many of the neighborhoods in Holly Springs NC has 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Square footage ranges from a cozy 1500 square feet to a spacious 2500 square feet or larger. Many of the homes are newer and most are full of amenities. Laminate wood floors are common, along with elegant foyers with wainscoting. Ceiling fans are the rule and living rooms typically have fireplaces, either wood-burning or with decorative and maintenance-free gas logs. It’s common for living rooms to open via French doors to formal dining rooms with chair rail accents. Kitchens are spacious and have plenty of designer touches, including solid wood cabinets, granite counter tops and ceramic tile. Kitchen appliances are finished with everything from classic stainless steel to dramatic black enamel and glass. Many kitchens have breakfast areas and sliding glass doors that open to large patios and fenced yards.
Master bedrooms are expansive and often feature vaulted ceilings and walk-in closets. Other bedrooms have generous closets as well. Many of these homes have desirable 2nd floor laundry rooms. Master baths feature dual vanities and garden tubs with separate showers. Bathroom skylights are common. Other amenities include hardwired Internet access and blinds throughout. Garages are often fitted with convenient shelves.
Housing in Holly Springs is an excellent value for those who want a newer home with plenty of extras and amenities that’s just minutes from shopping, entertainment venues and employment centers.